2013 Master Gardener helplines open soon

The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Somerset and Hunterdon counties will open the Helpline offices in Somerset on Monday, March 4 and in Hunterdon on Monday, April 1.

The Rutgers Master Gardeners are trained by Rutgers University staff and faculty as well as local horticulturalists to answer the questions of the season and assist county residents in a variety of ways. The Master Gardener Helpline volunteers can help with home gardening issues such as providing the materials and information needed to obtain a proper soil sample for analysis from Rutgers’ labs, soil pH testing, lawn care, and plant, tree and shrub identification, advice about the right plant for the right place and recommendations on deer resistant plant material. With suitable samples, the Master Gardeners can also diagnose plant diseases, identify insects, weeds, and other pests of the home and garden and give written advice about the cultural recommendations for their control following integrated pest management techniques.

The Rutgers Cooperative and Extension office of Somerset County is located at 310 Milltown Road in Bridgewater. Hours are 9 a.m.-noon, Monday through Friday. Call 908-526-6293 press option 4 or residents can bring a sample of their problem to the office on Milltown Road.

Both certified Master Gardeners and new Master Gardener graduates will be available to answer questions in Hunterdon Countty Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-noon and Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 12:30-3:30 p.m. Call 908-788-1375 or stop by the new office location in the county complex at 314 Route 12, Building 2, Flemington.

The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Somerset and Hunterdon counties are currently accepting applications for the fall class. This year, classes will be held once a week on Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Rutgers Cooperative Extension offices. Classes start in September and will run into March. The cost for the instruction book and six-month program is $250. Residents with an interest in gardening and a commitment to volunteer service can become a master gardener. No previous education or training in horticulture is required. Call or pick up an application packet at the offices in Somerset or Hunterdon.